BFM 89.9

HIGHLIGHTS 
Podcast  >  Enterprise  >  Enterprise Explores  >  Trump vs. The Fed: The Dangers of Artificial Interest Rates

Trump vs. The Fed: The Dangers of Artificial Interest Rates

Dr Carmelo Ferlito, CEO, Center for Market Education

21-Jul-25 12:00

Trump vs. The Fed: The Dangers of Artificial Interest Rates

As the US Federal Reserve faces intense political pressure to slash interest rates, the debate over central bank independence and its global impact is heating up. But what are the real dangers of setting "artificial" interest rates, whether they are politically motivated or not?

Economist Dr. Carmelo Ferlito, CEO of the Center for Market Education, joins us to make his radical case against the foundations of modern monetary policy. He argues that any centrally-planned interest rate distorts the market, de-anchors inflation expectations, and ultimately leads to monetary disorder, speculation, and asset bubbles.

We discuss:

  • The dangers of "artificial" interest rates, whether high or low.

  • How political interference erodes trust in central bank independence.

  • The critical distinction between fiscal and monetary policy.

  • Why artificial rates lead to speculative asset bubbles and instability.

  • Alternative frameworks, like market-determined rates and currency competition.

    For economists, investors, and policymakers, this is a thought-provoking challenge to the conventional wisdom of modern monetary policy.

Produced by: Roshan Kanesan

Presented by: Roshan Kanesan


This and more than 60,000 other podcasts in your hand. Download the all new BFM mobile app.

Categories:  economypoliticsgovernmentinternational

Tags:  monetary policycentral bankingus federal reserveinterestmacroeconomics





Play / Pause

Listen now : The 6AM Stretch: Thought-provoking discussions on ideas, people and events shaping our...

Today’s Shows



6:00 AM

The 6AM Stretch

Thought-provoking discussions on ideas, people and events shaping our lives.

7:00 AM

World Market Watch

David Chow, Director of Investment at Azure Capital tells us where international markets are heading.

7:15 AM

Morning Brief

We recap global and local headlines from today's papers and portals.

7:30 AM

Morning Brief

Christopher Wong, FX Strategist at OCBC shares his analysis on the 2026 commodities outlook.

7:45 AM

Morning Brief

Dato' Foo Yong Hooi, President of Persatuan Agensi Pekerjaan Asing, explains why approved foreign worker quotas are not translating into actual worker arrivals.

8:00 AM

The Breakfast Grille

Captain Cheah Sin Bi, CEO of Orkim Berhad discusses the company's evolution, listing exercise as well as its plans for the RM92 million it hopes to raise.

8:30 AM

Morning Brief

Alan Cheong, Executive Director, Savills Singapore gives us an outlook for Singapore's property market in 2026.

8:45 AM

Morning Brief

Khor Yu Leng, economist from Segi Enam Advisers, discusses what the recent shifts in the palm oil industry mean for Malaysia.

9:00 AM

Opening Bell

(REPEAT) David Chow, Director of Investment at Azure Capital tells us where international markets are heading.

9:15 AM

Opening Bell

(REPEAT) We take a look at the FBM KLCI as well as regional capital markets.

9:35 AM

Pinnacle Perspectives

Poonam Goyal, Senior Retail & eCommerce Analyst at Bloomberg Intelligence, breaks down Nike’s leadership moves, strategic pivots, and what it will take to restore growth.

10:05 AM

Open For Business

Ajoy Gopinath Prabhu, Symbiotica Specialty Ingredients

11:05 AM

P&L

Georg Chmiel, Chmiel Global Advisory

12:00 PM

Enterprise Explores

1:00 PM

The Breakfast Grille Repeat

Our flagship show, we feature both game-changers and groundbreakers in the hot seat.

2:05 PM

Discovery Hour

An eclectic selection of BBC shows, curated with variety in mind.

3:05 PM

Earth Matters

Selangor’s proposed Batu Arang waste-to-energy incinerator has sparked major community concern. Two residents explain the risks, the lack of official response, and why safer alternatives are needed.

4:05 PM

Health & Living

Many of us put off sleep and spend the night in front of screens, but how exactly is it affecting our brain? Tune in to find out.

5:00 PM

Top 5 at 5

6:00 PM

Today I Learned

We speak to a Palestinian theologist about how Western Christianity and colonialism shaped Palestine, and the traditions of interfaith tolerance and solidarity that continue to define its society.

7:00 PM

Just For Kicks

8:00 PM

A Bit of Culture